18th century establishment. Operated until circa 1878 when the Royal Hotel was built on the site.
The Lion & Dolphin was one of the foremost coaching Inns of Leicester.
1760s Post Coaches were advertised from Lion & Dolphin to Swan with Two Necks Lad Lane London, cost for Gentlemen 3d per mile.
1763 The Lion & Dolphin was used for auctions, advertised at Mr Christians Lion & Dolphin. Tickets for sale at the new Theatre were also on sale here the same year.
During the 1770s auctions and entertainment by visiting ‘players’ were held here.
1777 the celebrated illusionist Higham Palentine who had recently appeared before the Royal family would exhibit his performance at the Lion & Dolphin.
In the 1790s it was used as a recruiting rendezvous for the ‘Light Dragoons and Infantry’ –
‘…young men of abilities are specially invited, Sergeants & Corporals being most wanted. Large bounty and handsome appointments’
LJ 1794
‘Mr O’Brien the celebrated Irish Giant who measures over 9ft high, the most surprising man in the world will be continued to be seen at the Lion & Dolphin in this town this week and at Market Harborough next week.’
Never afraid of embellishing the truth, Patrick O’Brien upon death was actually measured 8ft 1 inch – still extremely tall. It was said he was buried in a lead coffin 12ft down in rock to thwart any body snatchers.
The Lion & Dolphin was the major venue for auctions, particularly beasts that were bought to market, were housed and auctioned in the inn yard. Indeed, when the inn was put up for sale in 1821 the ad read:
‘The Lion & Dolphin situate in the Market Place, the house is in good repair and in full business, the communication with the beast market gives it considerable to any Inn in town.’
The local excise office was run from the inn during the early 1800s. As can be imagined, the activity around the inn was considerable as many deals were completed over a pint of ale. Many disputes arose as well.
Thefts were common – even the odd beast, lamb of fowl would be ferreted away. Newspaper reports of both auctions and court cases are numerous. One case that ticked me was of Sarah Wilkins, alias ‘Donington Sal’ in the 1840s.
She was a notorious girl in the town who would meet farmers or strangers to the market, procure them to the Lion & Dolphin for a drink and a promise, but would instead rob them either by pick-pocket or if trouble seemed likely she would have a couple of accomplices nearby.
The Inn was also a base for coaches to London as early as 1765. The coach ran from the inn door, completing the journey in 12 hours. In 1871, the Lion & Dolphin was put up for sale, but it traded until 1878, before being demolished.
The Royal Hotel was built on the site with its then entrance listed as in Market Place.
All that remains today is the part name Dolphin in the form of a passageway from Horsefair St to the Market Place to an area named Dolphin Square, Dolphin passageway is dark mostly frequented by ‘dealers’ down ‘n outs’ stinks of urine, not recommended to be used at night.
In 2018 the LCC would block of the eyesore of a passageway, purchase the building that surrounds it, eventually demolish and open it up to make afar more pleasing entrance to the Market.
Dolphin passage under building that the LCC Purchased.
Below, how it looks 2022. (Both pics Leicester Mercury)
2023, make your own mind up!